7-Night Scottish Highlands Guided Walking Tour Style: Guided Walking Destinations: Scottish Highlands & Scotland Trip code: LLBOB-7 2, 5 & 6 HOLIDAY OVERVIEW Glen Coe is arguably one of the most celebrated glens in the world with its volcanic origins, and its dramatic landscapes offering breathtaking scenery – magnificent peaks, ridges and stunning seascapes. Easy walks are available, although if you’re up for the challenge we have walks designed to test your stamina and bravery where you can tackle some of Scotland's best mountains. WHAT'S INCLUDED • High quality en-suite accommodation in our country house • Full board from dinner upon arrival to breakfast on departure day • 5 days guided walking and 1 free day • Use of our comprehensive Discovery Point • Choice of up to three guided walks each walking day • The services of HF Holidays Walking Leaders www.hfholidays.co.uk PAGE 1 [email protected] Tel: +44(0) 20 3974 8865 HOLIDAYS HIGHLIGHTS • Discover the dramatic scenery and history of the Scottish Highlands • Opportunity to climb famous summits and bag 'Munros' (mountains over 3,000ft) • Explore the dramatic glens and coastal paths seeking out the best viewpoints. • Join our friendly and knowledgeable guides who will bring this stunning landscape to life. TRIP SUITABILITY This trip is graded Activity Levels 2, 5 and Level 6. Discover the dramatic scenery of the Scottish Highlands on our guided walks. We offer the opportunity to climb famous summits, with many 'Munros' (mountains over 3,000ft) on our itinerary. Alternatively explore the dramatic valleys and coastal paths seeking out the best viewpoints. Join our friendly and knowledgeable guides who will bring this stunning landscape to life. Our experienced guides offer the choice of up to three different walks each day Choose the option which best suits your interests and fitness We provide flexible holidays. Join our guided walks, explore independently, or relax at Alltshellach ITINERARY Version 1 Day 1: Arrival Day You're welcome to check in from 4pm onwards. Enjoy a complimentary Afternoon Tea on arrival. Day 2: Glen Nevis And Above Loch Leven Option 1 - Nevis Riverside Distance: 6 miles (10 km) Ascent: 900 feet (280m) In Summary: From the heart of the mountains we follow the River Nevis downstream, below the towering Ben Nevis. We ascend the ridge of Cow Hill, affording some great views, before descending to Fort William. Highlight: Great views over Fort William, Loch Eil and to the north. Option 2 - The Lairigmòr Distance: 8 miles (13km) Ascent: 2,050 feet (620m) In Summary: Walk from the northern shore of Loch Leven to the village of Kinlochleven. We'll take a steep path up the hilllside, then contour behind Mam na Gualainn to join the West Highland Way. Highlight: Follow the West Highland Way, Scotland's premier long distance path, along part of General Wade's 18th Century military road. www.hfholidays.co.uk PAGE 2 [email protected] Tel: +44(0) 20 3974 8865 Option 3 - Beinn Na Caillich Distance: 8 miles (12.5km) Ascent: 3,200 feet (980m) In Summary: Follow the undulating mountain ridge over the summits of Mam na Gualainn and Beinn na Caillich, before descending to join the West Highland Way to Kinlochleven. Highlight: The 'Corbett' summit of Mam na Gualainn commands a fine view over Loch Leven and provides a good warm up for the bigger peaks later in the holiday. Day 3: Glen Coe Option 1 - Historic Glen Coe Distance: 8 miles (12.5km) Ascent: 1,250 feet (380m) In Summary: Discover Glen Coe's turbulant history and connections to the Clan MacDonald. We'll follow woodland paths to the scenic "Hospital Lochan" then descend to the Clachaig Inn in Glen Coe. Highlight: Celebrate the completion of your walk at the Clachaig Inn, a climber’s hostelry steeped in history. Nearby Signal Rock was the gathering point for the MacDonalds of Glen Coe at times of emergency. Option 2 - Sron Gharbh Distance: 8½ miles (13.5km) Total ascent: 2,800 feet (850m) In Summary: Follow the ridge of mountains along the north side of Glen Coe. After a steep ascent to the summit of Sron Garbh we'll follow the long undulating ridge to Sron a' Choire Odhair bhig, then join the West Highland Way to finish in Kinlochleven. Highlight: Experience the immense U-shaped valley of Glen Coe and discover the history of the famous massacre of the Clan MacDonald in 1692. Option 3 - Bidean Nam Bian Distance: 7½ miles (12km) Total ascent: 4,350 feet (1,320m) In Summary: Walk from Glen Coe through Coire nan Lochan to the twin summits of Stob Coire nan Lochan and Bidean nam Bian - the highest peak in Argyll. We continue over the summit of Stob-Coire-Sgreamhach and descend through a peaceful glen back into Glen Coe. Highlight: This incredible massif dominates Glencoe and contains the famous three sisters. We reaching the top www.hfholidays.co.uk PAGE 3 [email protected] Tel: +44(0) 20 3974 8865 of the three main summits ncluding two Munros. Day 4: Free Day Discover more about Alltshellach and the local area for ideas on how to fill your free day. Day 5: Kentallen Peninsula & The Hills Around Loch Leven Option 1 - Kentallen Peninsula Distance: 8 miles (12.5km) Ascent: 800 feet (240m) In Summary: A coastal walk around the Kentallen Peninsula is a wonderful contrast to the inland mountains. Our route takes us around Cuil Bay and Kentallen Bay to finish in Kentallen village. Highlight: The headland of Rubha Mor offers sweeping views across Loch Linnhe to the Isle of Mull and is a great place for spotting birds and seals. Option 2 - Sgorr Dhearg Distance: 9.5 miles (15km) Ascent: 3,900 feet (1180m) In Summary: Starting at sea level on the opposite side of Loch Leven from Alltshellach, we follow a gently rising track through the forest. The path then narrows and steepens until it emerges from the forest below the dramatic horseshoe ridge of Beinn a' Bheithir. We head towards the col then turn left to follow a wide ridge up to the summit of Beinn Dhearg. We return by the same route to the valley of Gleann a' Chalois and walk back on forest tracks, over the Balachulish Bridge to the house. Highlight: In the right conditions, the view from the summit includes the mountains above Glencoe, Ben Nevis and several Hebridean Islands. Option 3 - Beinn A’ Bheithir Ridge Distance: 8.5 miles (13.5km) Total ascent: 4,300 feet (1300m) In Summary: Climb the summits of Sgorr Dhearg, Sgorr Dhonuil and Sgorr Bhan. From Ballachulish we ascend a rocky spur onto the main ridge of the Beinn a’ Bheithir mountain ridge and later descend through the wooded valley of Gleann a’ Chaolais to Alltshellach. Highlight: Choose a clear day and you'll be rewarded with an inspiring mountain panorama. www.hfholidays.co.uk PAGE 4 [email protected] Tel: +44(0) 20 3974 8865 Day 6: Ben Nevis Option 1 - Gleann Domhanaidh Distance: 8 miles (12.5km) Ascent: 1100 feet (340m) In Summary: Starting by the bottom station of the Nevis Range Mountain Gondola, we follow a trail through the Leanachan Forest to reach a magnificent viewpoint. From here we should be able to look up at the magnificent cliffs that make up the North Face of Ben Nevis as well as the arete at the head of the glen that provides the water for the Ben Nevis Whisky. We descend past the distillery to arrive at historic Inverlochy Castle. Passing the site of 15th and 17th Century battles, we finish in Fort William with its shops, cafes, museum and information boards. Highlight: The view of the North Face of Ben Nevis and Inverlochy Castle. Option 2 - Below The North Face Distance: 9 miles (14km) Ascent: 2,600 feet (800m) In summary: Ascend to the climbers’ hut below the mighty north face of Ben Nevis. We then contour below the massive Castle Ridge buttress and descend via the Pony Track to Glen Nevis. Highlight: An opportunity to see the towering cliffs of the 'Ben's' North Face up close. These mighty cliffs provide some of Britain's best rock and ice climbing. Option 3 - Ben Nevis Distance: 10 miles (16.5km) Ascent: 4,500 feet (1,380m) In summary: Our objective today is the summit of Ben Nevis, Britain’s highest mountain. Starting from Glen Nevis we follow the Pony Track which zig-zags up to the summit plateau. We return by the same route. Highlight: This is a big walk with lots of ascent, however there's great satisfaction in reaching the top and momentarily becoming the highest person in Britain. Day 7: Hills And Tracks Around Kinlochleven Option 1 - Loch Eilde Mor Distance: 8.5 miles (14km) Ascent: 1,800 feet (540m) In Summary: Discover the mountains, valleys and waterfalls around Kinlochleven at the head of Loch Leven. We'll ascend to the beautiful Loch Eilde Mor then descend via the Old Military Road and the West Highland Way. Highlight: Loch Eilde Mor is a beautiful mountain lake set among the wilderness below the Mamore mountains. www.hfholidays.co.uk PAGE 5 [email protected] Tel: +44(0) 20 3974 8865 Option 2 - Garbh Bheinn Distance: 6 miles (10 km) Ascent: 2950 feet (900 m) In Summary: Walk from the southern shore of Loch Leven to the village of Kinlochleven. We ascend the little frequented ridge to the summit of Garbh Bheinn and then descend through wild country to join the old military road. Highlight: Our summit ridge runs parallel with the Aonach Eagach Ridge that is only a mile away.